Alternating Current
Physics
, Alternating Current
An alternating current (a.c) has a changing direction and magnitude with time.
Direct Current (Steady d.c)
A constant (steady) direct current has constant magnitude and flows in only one direction.
There are two types of alternating currents:
1. Sinusoidal a.c
2. Rectangular/square a.c
I
I0 Sinusoidal a.c
I>0
0.01s
T =0.02s
I<0
-I0
f = 50 Hz
1 1
T= = = 0.02 s
f 50
Current changes direction every 0.01 s.
I
rectangular/square a.c
I0
|
T t
-I0
1 cycle
a.c source
I
I>0 I>0 T/2
T T
from 0 to I<0
2
T
I < 0, from to T
2
2
Physics
, Alternating Current
An alternating current (a.c) has a changing direction and magnitude with time.
Direct Current (Steady d.c)
A constant (steady) direct current has constant magnitude and flows in only one direction.
There are two types of alternating currents:
1. Sinusoidal a.c
2. Rectangular/square a.c
I
I0 Sinusoidal a.c
I>0
0.01s
T =0.02s
I<0
-I0
f = 50 Hz
1 1
T= = = 0.02 s
f 50
Current changes direction every 0.01 s.
I
rectangular/square a.c
I0
|
T t
-I0
1 cycle
a.c source
I
I>0 I>0 T/2
T T
from 0 to I<0
2
T
I < 0, from to T
2
2
